In Chios we encounter typical Mediterranean ecosystems. Based on the amount of rainfall, two basic forms of flora have evolved, with different mechanisms of adaptation, mainly to summer drought:

• In areas with more moisture, systems of leathery-leaved evergreen plants (maquis vegetation) are found. Species include the wild olive, kerm oak, mastic tree, common myrtle, laurel, strawberry tree, mock privet and oleander.
• In areas with less available moisture, we have scrubland covered in xerophytic sub-shrubs, which display seasonal bimorphism (they have different leaves depending on the season). Many of these plants are aromatic and medicinal herbs and spices of particular value, such as oregano, thyme, lavender, germander, savory, spurge and sea lavender. On mountainsides, forests of pine together with evergreen leathery-leaved plants create an excellent environment for uniquely delicious wild mushrooms.

Many species of plant are rare or endangered and therefore protected by special legislation such as the CITES Convention and the Convention on Biodiversity.

Blooming together with the orchids on Mt. Pelinnaio is Fritillaria pelinaea, another rare and protected species endemic to Chios. It thrives in forested and shrubby sites and blooms from late March through April. It is included in the Red Data Book of Rare and Threatened Plants of Greece (2009 edition).

Chios mastic is a unique product that grows only in the south of the island. The mastic trees have cultivated in Chios since the 1st century AD and the mastic was mainly had pharmaceutical uses.

The mastic producing trees are called “skinos” (pistacia lentiscus var chia). It is a perennial bush that grows up to two or three metres and lives over a hundred years.

Among the most remarkable and famous products made in Chios in ancient times was its wine. The blessing of winemaking was given to the island by the god Dionysus. Theopompos says that Oinopion, who was considered the son of the god, taught the Chians to plant and cultivate vineyards and produce black wine. Undoubtedly the best of the wines of Chios was "Ariousios wine", which quickly became famous in Greece. The ships of Chios took it everywhere. It was however overly expensive and it appeared only at the most expensive and luxurious banquets.